Hello all tomodachi! I am Moana, from Japan :)

I’ve created some lessons not only for Japanese language classes but also as a space where you can ask questions, discuss your concerns about life in Japan, and get advice based on my experience.

I have experience to work and live in different countries from 0 English. I deeply understand the challenges of adapting to a different culture.

I used to work in Canada and Thailand!

[Kelowna, Canada]
My English skills were very basic when I went to Kelowna, Canada. I was 21 years old. I didn’t even know how to order coffee at a café. Pronouncing the "R" sound, which is challenging for Japanese speakers, was particularly difficult for me. I do remember that I couldn't order "Brewed coffee" and "Wrap" all the time. I started working at a bakery in Costco because I lacked confidence in speaking English with customers. Kelowna is small town, which means they are not used to speak foreigners. However, I later moved to a café to improve my English before returning to Japan.

Kelowna, where I stayed for a year, is a small town with fewer Asians compared to Vancouver and Toronto. I faced many difficulties, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and sad memories. I deeply understand how challenging it can be to work in a different culture and environment, especially outside of international cities.

[Okinawa with military]
After leaving Canada, I began working at Okinawa Airport after graduating from university. The island has many American military bases, so I used English daily with military personnel. I was not familiar with the vocabulary related to airports, flights, and military terms, so I Googled English words for travel and military-related topics every day and practiced using them. These experiences greatly improved my English, especially in understanding American accents and natural native English.

[Bangkok with an international life]
When I lost that job due to the pandemic, I moved to Thailand. It was an opportunity to test myself in a foreign country again, and I was excited to see how much my English had improved. Although there are many Japanese people in Thailand, I wanted to immerse myself in an international environment, so I participated in events with people from various nationalities and didn’t meet any Japanese there.

I didn’t speak Thai, so I made many international friends and had a lot of fun. I also learned Thai through daily interactions. There were less Americans in Thailand, so I met many Europians and Australians. I learned new words and accents again and it was very interesting. I felt that my five-year journey had finally paid off.

I understand how challenging it can be to work in a different country, especially in a non-English-speaking one. Japan, my home, is unique and rich in culture, which I love, but it can sometimes be difficult for foreigners to live here.

[My lessons for]
I’ve created some lessons (counseling sessions) for people living and working in Japan to ask me any questions and discuss any concerns or worries. I wanted to have a place where I could ask how to work with native English speakers, date local people, make local friends, and learn practical English (or Japanese) ... many more when I was working with people from different backgrounds in foreign countries.

I’m really proud of each of you who are working and living in Japan. Japanese is very difficult and culture is also unique.

Thank you so much for your interest in my country and language <3